Delaware’s Only Congressman Endorses Marriage Equality

The state of Delaware’s only member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. John Carney (D), expressed his full support for marriage equality on Monday:

I’ve supported Delaware’s journey toward marriage equality because I believe the law should recognize the committed relationships of same-sex couples. As a Catholic and as an elected official, I’ve been dedicated to striking the balance between honoring the religious sacrament of marriage, while allowing same-sex couples to enjoy legal recognition of their committed relationships. […]

I continue to respect and support the rights of religious institutions to define marriage in accordance with the tenets of their faith. However, I do not believe it is right for the government to treat couples differently based on their sexual orientation. Marriage equality will ensure that same-sex couples in Delaware receive the same treatment under the law.

Indeed, Delaware state legislators are expected to take up the question of same-sex marriage this year, but the legislation has not yet been introduced. On the other side of the Capitol, Delaware Sen. Chris Coons (D) has been a stalwart ally to the LGBT community, but Sen. Tom Carper’s (D) position on same-sex marriage is still “evolving.”